Studiophile: February 2014
Pictured: Bob Lizik, Kraig McCreary, Studio VMR’s Don Griffin, Eric Chesser, Khari Parker
Eric Chesser Tracks At Studio VMR
At STUDIO VMR in Brookfield owner/producer Don Griffin worked on 5 songs with rock guitarist/vocalist Eric Chesser, featuring tracks that included a who’s who of top local studio musicians, including legendary bassist Bob Lizik (who has performed with Madonna, Jim Peterik and The Beach Boys) acclaimed guitarist Kraig McCreary, and drummer Khari Parker. Italian blues-rock guitarist Breezy also laid down tracks for Chesser after opening for Buddy Guy at his club Legends last month. Chesser is currently label shopping in Nashville…Owner/engineer Griffin also welcomed Sean Nielsen to VMR’s engineering staff. Sean has been tracking acts since last Fall and is a recent Columbia College graduate. Nielsen recently engineered a project with A Cool Hand and indie rock band Echos and Flowers, who Griffin says are a “stunning original mix of Lou Reed and The Doors,” among other indie rockers. The band is currently mixing their album and shopping for a label. Nielsen also assisted on other Griffin projects including The Gospel Chi-Lites, Andrew Delinger, Johnny Rogers, and Far Sighted.
Tracking at ENERGY COMMAND in Arlington Heights, Songwriter David Dickow just completed his third record, Tera Incognito. The 12 song CD was recorded and mixed by David Banks with help on a few tracks from Amo Schmyz.The record features newcomer Vince Richardson on lead vocals, Don Carlsson on guitars, Dickow on acoustic guitar and some vocals, Schmyz on drums, and Rick Rizzo of Eleventh Dream Day also played lead and rhythm guitars on the signature track “It’s a Good Day to Die”. Duane Thamm played pianos and keyboards, while Horatiu Ormindeanu (H. Dean of CPR Productions) played violin on a track. Owner/engineer Banks also contributed lead guitars plus rhythm on several songs and played bass on the entire record. Blaise Barton of Joyride Studios in Chicago mastered the CD. Twenty-two year old guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Vince Richardson has been tracking at ENERGY COMMAND, recording several tracks for his first release produced by David Banks. Local singer Dennis Patt came out of a long recording hiatus last month to cut a vocal track on a song produced by Banks…Candace Pierce recorded and released her second single, “Train Wreck”, a country-rock track co-written with Banks and Don Carlsson. Drumming on the track was Amo Schmyz with Kim Wilkens doing background vocals. Johnny K. & Tempest Rising recorded two songs, their song “That’s Why We Dance” and flamenco rock track “Casa Diablo”.
Shoegazer/post-punk band Noaidi recorded at GRAVITY STUDIOS in Chicago with engineer Mike Penny. The experience was definitely a collaborative one, with Penny offering moral support as well as his technical expertise. Owner/engineer Doug McBride mastered Noaidi’s music.
Hey Studiophiler: To get your studio or band listed in “Studiophile,” just email info on who you’re recording/who’s recording with you to ed@illinoisentertainer.com, subject line: Studiophile, or fax (773) 751-5051. Deadline for March 2014 issue is Feb. 15. Please note that IE’s March 2014 issue features the return of our annual Studio Guide, featuring enhanced gear listings from Chicagoland’s top recording facilities. Listings will be featured online and in both our print and digital issues. To get listed in the issue, please email service@illinoisentertainer.com or call 773-533-9333 ext 106.
Category: Columns, Monthly, Studiophile
